Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have been heavily engaged on this issue, urging the administration to rework the rules to develop more achievable standards. In a hearing last month, the Subcommittee on Energy and Power heard from several witnesses who testified the new rules would negatively impact U.S. manufacturers, businesses, and universities and would affect the ability of American companies to create jobs and compete globally.

"The administration had requested significant additional time to re-propose these rules and solicit further public comment. It is critical the final rules reflect the necessary public input to be implemented successfully, and without undue harm to jobs and the economy. The decision to halt their implementation and allow for reconsideration, which will include further public comment, is welcome news," said Upton. "Our environmental goals need to be in step with our economic realities. We need to advance these regulations -but do so in a way that is reasonable and balanced. We will continue to consider additional legislative action to address these and related EPA rules more comprehensively to ensure that they are achievable and do not impede economic growth or job creation."